Happy Tuesday, friends!
I hope you guys are excited about today’s blog post because based on your “please blog about” suggestions from January, I am launching a new *hopefully weekly* series called…
This year, when I looked through all of your requests/suggestions for blog posts, WELLNESS and TRAVEL really ranked up there at the top. I kicked off the year launching our WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS and that seems to be going over so well that I thought it was time to introduce TRAVEL TUESDAYS too!
Just like with our Wellness Wednesdays, my goal is to post one “normal” post along with a bonus travel post every Tuesday.
What types of travel posts?
Well after reading through HUNDREDS of your suggestions, I think they will vary from specific destinations to things to pack, flight info, traveling with kids, food allergies abroad, road trips, excursions, cruising, AND SO MUCH MORE!
Today, picked a few of your travel questions to answer, but then I would LOVE to read your comments about other travel posts you would like to see in the upcoming weeks. Please feel free to be as broad or as specific as you would like.
I currently have 413 blog posts on traveling (I know!), so today, I did pull out a few to highlight to kick off this series…
MAYBE YOU NEED TO READ:
MY BEST TRAVEL TIPS
TRAVELING WITH KIDS
FIRST TIMER’S GUIDE TO CRUISING
KIDS CARRY ON BAGS
OR IF YOU WANT TO PREP/RETURN EASILY:
18 KEYS FOR PREPPING FOR A TRIP
12 KEYS FOR LEAVING KIDS WHEN YOU TRAVEL
13 KEYS FOR MANAGING JET LAG
9 KEYS FOR RETURNING FROM A TRIP
YOUR TOP 10 FAVORITE US:
SPRING TOWNS
SUMMER TOWNS
FALL TOWNS
CHRISTMAS TOWNS
SKI TOWNS
IF YOU NEED A LIST/RESOURCE:
OUR VERY BEST BEACH FINDS
SKI VACATION PACKING LIST
SKI VACATION GROCERY LIST
TOP 10 TIPS FROM A SKI MOM
FALL TRAVEL PACKING LIST
AND JUST FOR FUN:
10 WAYS I WANT TO BE EUROPEAN
TOP FIVE/BOTTOM FIVE: TRAVELING BY PLANE
Basically, it feels like everyone wants to know (and I want to help!) my…
I am excited about these blog posts, so I hope you are too!
I did grab just a few of your questions to answer (or thoughts you shared) as we kick off this new series.
This is a very random mix of responses when I asked this community WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SEE MORE OF IN 2025?
It’s as simple as…I keep a list on my phone. (You know I love a list!)
At the beginning of the year, Andrew and I always try and plan out our year in travel through the beginning of the following year. It’s always a mix of hitting “bucket list” places while also revisiting some of our “favorite places”. We also love the app COUNTRIES BEEN…
This is such a fun app! You can mark the countries where you’ve been AND the ones you’ve always wanted to visit. This is a really fun and interactive way to think about travel.
I can do this! My team LOVES to travel as much as I do!
Right now, if you haven’t checked it out already…
…Erika has been recapping her recent trip to Paris! You can see her most recent recap HERE.
Okay, people get pretty darn passionate about this topic, but I personally almost never “carry on”. Now, if I’m going to Nantucket, yes, I’ll carry on (as my things are already there), but basically anywhere else, I check my bag.
Spoiler alert: there is no right or wrong answer here. Do what works best for YOU.
I personally like to check my bag and forget about it until I arrive at my destination. If I can avoid dragging it through the airport and finding overhead room on the aircraft, I consider that a win. It’s not right, it’s not wrong, it’s just what makes traveling easier for me.
“But Shay, what if they lose your luggage?”
I fly A LOT, and I can really only think of two times that my luggage has not made it on my flight (two out of about two gazillion flights) and both times, my luggage arrived later that day or next day. I mean, maybe it’s happened more than that, but if it has, it wasn’t memorable enough for me think about it right now. If the thought of this stresses you out though, then carry on. Do what works for you.
And to answer the second part of that question…
…we have sent several clients on the new NCL Aqua recently and the feedback has been AMAZING! My family sailed on the NCL Viva last year and loved it, and this new Aqua 20% larger plus has a “slidecoaster” on it (a combo slide and rollercoaster). My clients have all gone on and on about it, so this would be next on my “cruise bucket list”.
One of the best parts about working with my travel agency is that we can help you answer those questions and work within most budgets. If you have airline miles, you can use them for your trip! We live in the DFW area which means American Airlines reigns supreme down here…and you better believe I accrue AAdvantage points like crazy.
So many of you mentioned this as a talking point. I realize that this is a very real issue for so many travelers. I might end up making this an entire post, but in the meantime, if you have overcome this struggle, please share in the comment section! I’m sure you will help many.
Well, I certainly LOVE anything and everything on Pinterest (if you’re not following me, you should because Pinterest is my FAVORITE form of social media!).
That being said, of course, the internet is a wonderful resource for all things travel, BUT the three biggest ways we are able to help our clients in a more personal and nuanced way is that we have access to thousands of vendors (and their discounted prices) across the world, we have thousands of clients who have already been on vacations and provide the BEST feedback, and we have years of personal travel experience that allow us to not only build better vacations but answer all of those questions you have before heading out on a trip. None of it’s “super secret”. We have the resources and the time to create vacations specifically for all of our clients in a unique and custom way that’s for YOU.
So, that wraps up our first TRAVEL TUESDAY!
I hope you guys are excited about this additional post each week.
If you have suggestions on more topics, head to the comment section. Have the best day, everyone. I’ll see you guys tomorrow! xx
Jessie says
This is such a fun series! Tips on traveling with kids’ medical equipment (medical chairs/excess meds/specialty car seats) or even just these things for little who still need them and you don’t want them to get damaged on the flight would be super helpful!
Also maybe best airport restaurants for those of us who have a weird talent of getting delayed with a longer layover. 😅
Elspeth Mizner says
I would love a post about must haves for a carry-on/personal item and a post about not getting overwhelmed when booking flights/hotels/activities. Thank you!
Looking forward to your series!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
What a fun new series to look forward to! This isn’t a travel tip or hack, but a thought process that I had changed that really became a game changer for me. I was talking to my friend about when we took Harrison to Disney at age 2 and we’re going again in a few months and we’ll have with us ages 6, 2, 1. I had used the word vacation but mentioned that I knew it wasn’t relaxing, and she stopped me and said when she had little kids like me, they went on “adventures” because while it’s lots of work for the parents traveling with young kids, you’re doing it to make memories! Ever since then, I’ve referred to any traveling as family adventures! That has helped with expectations, too 🙂
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Karleigh Johnson says
My husband and I always say that when we travel with our kids, we’re taking a trip. When we travel without them, we’re taking a vacation. I love the idea of calling it an adventure. Both are so valuable, fun, and important in their own right!
Sheaffer says
Super informative! Fun series!
Jaime says
We just got back from spring break in Monterey California! We loved it!
Nicole says
Shay, I love the travel Tuesday blog post. I’m curious about how travel standards have changed since you opened. What makes your agency unique and what are you most proud of as a business owner? Do you think travel sites like Expedia or hotels.com affect your business for the good or the bad? You have such a good reputation in the travel world and I know all businesses have to pivot or shift from time to time. As a fellow business owner (in the food industry) I’m always intrigued at how different industries function. Thank you if you got through this comment 😉
Mix and Match Mama says
I’ve been in business now about 13 years, and some things have changed while other things remain the same. COVID had the most significant impact on my business, so I am extremely grateful to be on this side of that situation. Things that have changed would include I now have a larger team, I have many more clients who have traveled and thus provide us with infinitely more information/resources than before, and my vendors have all grown as well in the tech department so things we are able to do now (especially via technology) is very different than before. My process though has really stayed the same all of these years. How we create vacations/how we offer our services (without fees)/how we don’t make anything “cookie cutter”/make every trip custom and unique to the traveler…all of those things are still the same. Online sites have never played a factor in my business as my clients aren’t looking to those resources. They want custom vacations and communication with actual agents to create experiences personal to them and their budgets. I have never felt that the online sources were my competition. It’s a different type of traveler that I’m working with each day. We feel very blessed to work with almost every budget to create a personal and custom vacation for each individual with experience and attention to detail you don’t get online off a website.
Dana P says
My best tip is to be flexible and have as good of an attitude as possible. Most likely, everything won’t go exactly as planned. But if we end up all frazzled and grumpy, it’s sure to go south from there. We’ve rescued many weary tourists from getting stuck on trains, at the airport, etc. and if you can laugh about it, it will go so much better. Easier said than done sometimes, but it’s so important to take deep breaths, eat and drink when you have an opportunity (and go to the bathroom!), and be as go with the flow as possible.
Pam Zercher says
DANA! 💯 truth about 1) recused people who don’t know where to go, what to do-even helping exchange dollars into euros! and 2) go potty whenever you can (free) in bars, restaurants, etc. You never know IF the next place is grungy or has t.p. or might be a couple hours away. Goooo! 😀
Janette says
I have been to 95 countries (still going), and I have two bits of advice for flight anxiety:
Don’t stress about something you can’t control, and compare turbulence to driving on a rough road. It might be bumpy for a while, but the road will smooth out.
Mix and Match Mama says
I love this so much!!
Erika Slaughter says
This new series sounds FUN!
Laci says
We love to travel and I need to branch out and try new things!
Natalie Bayliff says
Hi Shay! Do you typically book business or first class for your flights? What about overseas flights? I’m thinking more room is easier with kids? Thanks!!
Mix and Match Mama says
It has varied a million different ways over the years. We have (and continue) to do a variety depending on the price/what’s available/where we’re going/how long the flight is/etc. I don’t think there is a right/wrong way to do it as long as it gets from A to B.
S says
We travel (and fly) a lot—we’ve been to all 50 states (and several countries), but I struggle with flight anxiety. It’s actually gotten worse in my 40s than ever before. We flew to Hawaii last summer and that was probably the most nervous I’ve ever been on a flight—hello—one of the longest flights without a landmass. But, we did it and it was amazing. Here are a few tips that worked for me. Wear layers and keep the air blowing on your face (getting hot makes everything worse), have a list of things to distract you (movies, text a friend if your plane has wifi, adult coloring book, listen to a mindless podcast, download a mindless game, sort through your pictures on your phone, listen to music that you love, plan fun things to do once you arrive at your destination). Having a list of things to do keeps your mind busy and focused on what you can be doing and what you can control instead of focusing on what you can’t control. Also, I always keep strong mints on hand and for some reason these help tremendously. And, limit caffeine on the day you fly because caffeine can heighten the symptoms of anxiety. It can be helpful to remind yourself of this: My love of travel is greater than my fear of flying. Start with shorter flights and that will empower you to feel more confident on a longer one! Hope this helps!
Melissa says
I love to travel, and travel often for both business and pleasure. As much as I love travel, I developed flight anxiety over the past 5-10 years that has made air travel much less enjoyable. It definitely got worse when I became a mom and had to leave my son to travel for work. While I “know” how safe air travel is, the fear is very real and not fun at all. I found an amazing service called Dial A Pilot a year and a half ago and it has made an huge difference in my mindset when flying. The pilots who work there are amazing and so helpful, and the Dial a Pilot community is incredibly supportive. If you have any fears of anxieties about flying, I highly recommend checking out Dial a Pilot! (Typing this while preparing to take off for San Diego!)
Katrina Goodman says
🙋♀️ I developed a fear of flying sometime around 2014 after a bad storm.. also hearing about planes crashing adds to my fear. I’ve still flown on 10 hour flights multiple times & take trip around the US because I can’t let it stop me! I actually don’t mind flying (no turbulence) but my mind immediately goes to plummeting to my death once we hit turbulence!!!! 😆 I’ve found—I need two things to keep me busy—I like to watch a movie while doing a puzzle. I love to read but rarely can on a flight because it doesn’t take my mind off of the bumps enough! I also like to do my make up on the plane (not saying I should—) but it keeps my mind on the task at hand.
Sometimes, if it is real bad & I’m sitting by a stranger, I may strike up a conversation (poor stranger). It’s hard to think about your fear when you are listening to someone talk & need to know what he/she is saying to respond. (Only in dire circumstances 😆)
I flew last weekend & it was a particularly bumpy fight for two hours! I just told myself turbulence is normal over & over again. I like to be prepared with snacks, drinks, puzzles, movies—-anything to distract me!
Megan Jensen says
As a health fitness professional who LIVES to travel, Wellness Wednesday and Travel Tuesday are 100% up my alley 🙌🏻
Karleigh Johnson says
I love this idea! Way to make one of my least favorite days of the week, more fun! Xoxo
Gail Young says
I get anxious that I wont be able to reach my ‘stuff’ on the plane, so I wear a small crossbody purse that I can tuck into the side of my seat. Glasses, iPod, an eye mask, ear plugs, etc. I always check my bag but use a smallish backpack as my carry on to hold my iPad for movies, kindle, and ALWAYS a change of clothes rolled up into a gallon size ziplock. I once came across a woman sobbing in the restroom because her baby had thrown up on her shirt and she was a mess. If I had had an extra shirt I would have given it to her. We have usually traveled with kids or grandkids so this works for us. Plus, we have had lost luggage, cancelled flights, long delays, and several times we were bumped and stayed extra time in our destination city. So glad we had a change of clothes and a toothbrush! Then my smallish backpack becomes my beach bag or picnic bag, etc.
Beverly Lackey says
Does your travel agency still do cruises to Alaska?
Mix and Match Mama says
We do! We are already booking for 2026 too!
Chrys says
I absolutely love this!! Your travel posts are my absolute favorite and I’ve learned so much from you throughout the years. My parents have always traveled with me (since I was 3 months old) and my husband has grown to love travel as much as I do. We are never not planning our next vacation lol. I’ll never forget something you wrote in a Blog post once about carry on versus checking in luggage. You said that no one is winning a prize for doing only carry on. And that made me feel so much better because my friends look at us like we are crazy for checking luggage in lol.
Anyway, we just booked the Aqua for next April for our Spring Break trip and we are CRAZY excited! We are big cruisers and even bigger NCL fans and the Aqua looks AMAZING!
Can’t wait to learn more from you!
Mix and Match Mama says
You should be CRAZY excited! That will be such a fun fun trip! Can I come too?
Terri Tobias says
I know there are certain times of the year that are better to go to certain destinations for cruises, but I wondered if you avoid certain cruises during times when there is higher risk for hurricanes. I was reading that some of the Mexico cruises have higher risks for hurricanes June-November and wondered if that goes into your planning decisions. I would love to hear your feedback. Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
Weather is always a consideration for vacations, but there are certain times of the year that just work better for passengers. It is very very rare for a hurricane to interrupt a cruise. It happens on occasion, but it is certainly the exception and not the rule for cruising. Cruise lines are really good at accommodating people with changes at the last minute due to hurricane conditions and/or rerouting around the weather event. The odds are in your favor a hurricane will not interrupt your trip, but should it happen, there are many options to either cancel, move or change your vacation. There are always options.
Terri Tobias says
I really appreciate your feedback. Thanks so much!
Janet Teeter says
Do you or your team have any tips on flying and traveling with a child with profound disabilities? We have our first flight as a family this summer (Hawaii) and I’m so nervous that our child will cause a commotion.
Mix and Match Mama says
I am so happy your family is going to Hawaii! I’m unsure of what the exact situation is, but my first answer is to just do what is in your kiddos’ best interest and don’t worry about everyone else on the flight. You have enough on your hands without stressing over others. I’m sure you will be doing everything you can to keep your kiddo happy and comfortable during the flight. Don’t worry about everyone else. You can only do your very best. Everyone else will be just fine. I hope it’s a wonderful trip!
Jessica says
It’s so funny today is traveling Tuesday and I just spent a good hour going through your Alaska Travel Posts from 2017 to get a feel for what’s to come on our MMT Planned Cruise on the NCL Encore in June.
Thank goodness we have you to keep us all informed!!
Mix and Match Mama says
We are SO happy you’re going on the Encore! You will LOVE it!
Alison says
Would you consider touching on destinations that can be successfully booked on a short notice? And by short notice, I mean a few months. Sometimes, life doesn’t afford us the ability to plan out a trip a year in advance. But my family loves to travel and often times, we’re figuring out where to go and booking only 3-5 months out. I’m just curious if there’s places that offer a better experience when you kind of have to be spontaneous with it.
Ps. Your agency has planned a trip of mine before and I loved it. I’ll be calling upon your team for something else again, I’m sure of it! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
YES! I absolutely can do that! Thank YOU for supporting our business! xx
Jennifer says
Hi, loving the new series! I think a post on the Top 5/Bottom 5 airports you have been would fun.
Kay says
I appreciate everyone’s tips on fear of flying! (Esp dial a pilot!) I am terrified and sadly, my fear is so bad I basically just avoid any travel that involves planes. I have flown a lot in the past as my fear wasn’t always this bad.
One thing I’d recommend to anyone who struggles like me is hypnosis. I did a few sessions and it worked INCREDIBLY well. To the point where I could get on a flight and be perfectly fine. I’m not really afraid of turbulence, more just the whole idea of flying. Hypnotherapy can help with the turbulence part too though. But overall, hypnotherapy has been the one and only thing that worked so well. I would highly recommend!
It can last for a while, for those considering it. Maybe even years! For me, it’s just been so long since I’ve flown, I’d have to go back and get it again if I were to consider flying. I hope that helps someone! And in the meantime, I will feel like I’m traveling when I read your Tuesday posts, Shay!
Becky Carl says
I would love to hear thoughts on river cruises and train trips. We travel a lot with our RV, so road trips would be fun too.
Thank you!
Jeanette says
Very excited about this new series!! You will bring a wealth of knowledge on this topic!
Kristi OBrien says
I have a question for you that has been giving me so much anxiety. My daughter is getting married in Italy in June (8 more weeks…eeeekkk) and we are not sure how to travel with her massive wedding dress. We do not want to check it in, due to the possibility of it getting lost or not making it in time for the wedding. We heard that the flight assistants would possibly store it in their closet. We called the airline and they said it depends on who is working at the check in counter. And thoughts/suggestions?
Mix and Match Mama says
Well this is so so so exciting! Wow! Can I come too?! Okay, so I cannot speak for every single situation (and I’m sure there are some horror stories), but all of the brides we have sent have always been able to take their dresses on board the plane and the very amazing flight attendants have hung them up for them. I’ve also witnessed this many times while boarding my flight. I really think it won’t be an issue at all. Congrats to your family!